Method and apparatus for printing



Nov. 21, 1944. H. H. METCALF METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRINTING 14 sheets-shed 1 Filed June 30, 1941 Nov. 21, 1944. r H H, ME CALF 2,363,137

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRINTING Filed June 30, 1941 14 Sheets-Sheet 3 kzw W? N 'E lz R N %a.CPM

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H. H. METCALF METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRINTING Filed June 30, 1941 14 Sheets-Sheet 4 HOWARD H .METGALF.

CR QGM ORNEY Nov. 21, 1944. H. H. METCALF METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRINTING Filed June 30, 1941 14 SheetsSheet 5 JQM lNVENfOR Hogans H. METCALF' fir-SEW NOV. 21, 1944. METCALF 2,363,137

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRINTING Filed Jun 30, 1941 14 Sheets-Sheet 6 l-T -a INVENTOR Hog/ H METCALF- TORNEY Nov. 21, 1944. H. H. METCALF 2,363,137

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRINTING.

Filed June 30, 1941 14 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR HOWARD H METCALF- ORNEY Nov. 21, 1944. H. H. METCA'LF METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRINTING 14 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed June 30. 1941 INVENTO'R HOWARD H METCALF- BY Q (J /0.15

OR NEY Nov. 21, 1944. H. H. METCALF 3 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRINTING Filed June 50,1941 14 Sheets-Sheet 9 INVENTOT? HOWARD H METCALF- fTq-IU I G mbia ORNEY 14 Sheets-Sheet 10 H. H. METCALF METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRINTING Filed June 50, 1941 6 9w? 6 Z a a .4 4 H a 4 0 4 g; 0 4 W 4 8 Q A Z 3 M4 8 a Nov. 21, 1944.

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METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRINTING Filed June 30, 1941 14 Sheets-Sheet 1}.

. o r 1 l A 443 A I A #6- //I// Ill/ll A INVENTOR HOWARD H .METGALF- ORNEY Nov. 21, 1944. H. H. METCALF METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRINTING Filed June 50. 1941 INVENi'OR w t e e h s mm 4 1 w? 1E mm Nov. 21, 1944. H. H. METCALF 2,363,137

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRINTING Filed June 50, 1941 14 Sheets-Sheet l3 INVENTOR fiOy RD H.METCALF- ORNEY Nov. 21, 1944. H. H. METCALF 2,363,137

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRINTING Filed June so, 1941 14 Sheets-Sheet 14 INVENTOR HOWARD H. METCALF- Patented Nov. 21, 1944 ivnrrnon AND APPARATUS Fort rnm'rmo maid H. Metcalf, Battle magma. Application June 30, 1941, Serial No. 400,498

28 Claims; tel. 101-120) The present invention relates broadly to printing devices, and in its specific phases-to a printingpress having a. rotary printing cylinder which incorporates a screen type of surface through which printing medium may be forced in a prescribed patternby means of a suitable squeegee contained within the cylinder.

A The so-called silk screen printing procedure has many advantages over ordinary printing methods, andparticularly so when a relatively heavy layer of paint or otherprinting medium is to be transferred in'a predetermined pattern upon an articlefor either decorative or'other useful purposes. Its recognized advantageshave given rise to awidespread commercial demand for silk screen printiiigbut theme of this method "of reproduction hasbeen narrowly restricted due to the small volume of work obtainable by equipment now availablefor this purpose, as well as the: high unit printing costs which must necescauses such medium to, gum up the screen and other fluid contacting parts, thus making it difiicultfto clean up, the assembly at the end of a sarily follow as a direct result of this small volume production. Small volume production and high unit costs are at present unavoidable, due. a to "the fact that even the most modern existing silk screen printing equipment is non-automatic, and the work of reproduction inthis manner must be either partially or wholly done by hand. The standard silkscreen printing equipment generally consists of a hinged rectangular frame, on the bottom of which is stretched a silk screen, suitably prepared to permit paint or the like to "be forced therethrough in a predetermined pattern by means otasuitable reciprocating squeegee. The sheet tobe printed with such equipment isplaced on a stationary bed over which the rectangular frame is hinged. Upon dropping the rectangular frame with its prepared screen bottomsurfa'ce onto the sheet, followed by reciprocatory operationgof the squeegee,"'the desired reproduction is left on the sheet, which may be removed as soon as the rectangular frame is lifted. Such printing procedure isfar too slow to satisfy modern "production requirements,

causes great physical fatigue of the operator, and resultsin excessive waste of the printing medium due both to lack in uniformity ofp-ressure applied to the squeegee, and evaporation and oxidation caused by exposure of the printing medium to the atmosphere. It must be recognized that the natural limitations of human muscular coordination, as wellas the "element of physical fatigue both definitelyand positively limit the volume of work which canbe produced by such or similar equipment. Exposure ofboth the screen frame andwprinting medium to the room atmosphere run, or days work. 'Operating in this manner moreover, causes considerable spoilage of printed sheets. These, aswell as many other apparent difficulties, together with the unsatisfied demands for high speed, accurate and low cost silkscreen printing, led to the making of this present invention. a

Accordingly, among the objects of the present invention is the'provision of a continuous system which utilizes and improvesr'nany of the standard so-called silk-screen printing practices, and

further brings in additional practices and ele ments entirely new to the art. I t Another object .is'to" mount the screen on a rotary printing cylinder for continuous rotation.

Another object is to provide a rotary printing cylinder with screen thereon, wherein the central part of such cylinder remains stationary while the screen is moved around same by means of a rotary end members.

Anotherobjectis to provide arotary scre en printing mechanism having a stationary but adjustable squeegee therein.

.Anotherobject is to provide new method features inlthe printing art, such as .the method of rotary screen printing and the method of lubrication of the rotary screen under printing conditions.

Another object is to provide a rotary screen printing mechanism which makes line contact with the sheet being printed, and isadjustable to provide accurate registry relative to the starting edge of the sheet wherever same is needed. Another-object is to. provide a screen type printing assembly adapted for continuous automatic operation including automatic paper feed, registry, rotary screen printing, and delivery of the printedzsheets to theprinted stock pile in uniform andorderly position.

A further objectis to provide ascreen printirrg mechanism wherein the adjustment of the squeegee is notafiected by the adjustment of the mechanism for registry purposes.

A further object is to provide the rotary screen printingmechanism with a fixed location axis so that the adjustment of same will not be affected by the stopping or starting of the supply of sheets to be printed thereby.

A further object is to provide a printing impression cylinder mounted on an eccentric shaft so that the impression cylinder may be dropped as soon as there is a-failure of sheet material A still further abject :is to provide ibetterscreen' printing with less spoilage of stock, and at high speed suited to modern production requirements.

Still further objects and advantages will ap-'" pear as the description proceeds. To the accomplishment of theioregoing and related ends, the invention, then, consists 'of'the steps and means hereinafter fully described and;

particularly pointed out in the claims, the-annexed drawings and the following descriptionsetting forthv in detail certain means and one mode of carrying out the invention, .such disclosed means and mode illustrating, however, but one of the various ways in wlu'ch the principle of the invention may be used. vf

In said annexed drawings Figures 1 and 2 together illustrate a composite side view .of a preferred fnrmof the apparatus of the present invention, such view being broken at the dot and dash line at the corresponding ends or the figures.

Figures .3 and 4 together illustrate a composite longitudinal section view of a preferred form of the apparatus shown in Figures 1, 2, 5, and 6,

. suchview being broken at the dot and dash line at the corresponding ends of Figures 3 and 4,

and takenalong line 3-3 of Figure 5, and line 4-4 .of.Figure 6, looking. in the direction vof the arrows,.c ertain parts being omitted for purposes of clarity of illustration.

Figures hand 6 together illustrate ajcomposite top view of the apparatus shown in Figures 1, 2,

3, and 4, such view being broken at the dot and dash line at the corresponding ends of Figures 5 and -.6, certain parts being omitted for purpose .of clarity.

Figure 7 illustrates an enlargedvertical section through the apparatus as taken at line L-1 of Figures 3 and v5, looking in the ,direction .of the arrows.

Figure 8 illustrates an enlarged vertical section through the apparatus as taken .at line 8-8 of Figures 4 and .6, looking in the direction .of the arrows.

Figure -9 illustrates anenlarged vertical section through the rotary cylinder with .screen removed, (as taken at line li -.9 of Figures 5 and 7,, looking in the direction of .the arrows.

Figure 10 .illustratesan enlarged vertical section through one end of the rotary, cylinder with the screen removed but with the screen frame in place, as taken at line, l=O-l0 of Figure 7, looking in the direction of thear-rows.

Figurell illustratesinenlarg-ed top view a partial section cf the cam mechanismshown in Figures 12 and 13 which raises :and lowers the impression cylinder as requiredsuch view being taken along line H- -H of Figure 4, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 12 illustr-ates an enlarged-side view of 1-1 the cam mechanism which raises andilowers the impression cylinder .as required: said view being taken as looking into the lower face of Figure 11.

Figure 1-3Lillustra-tes anenlarged partially sectioned side view of-the cam mechanism which.

ing in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 16 illustrates an enlarged side elevation of the screen carrying frame assembly.

Figure .17 is a .scenographic side view, showing diagrammatically the general arrangement of various parts'of the apparatus relative to other parts thereof, the, whole being viewed from the same side as illustrated in the composite view of Figures 1 and 2. i

a Figure .18 illustrates an enlarged fragmentary and partially sectioned .elevational view of the suction head elevating and lowering cam mechamsm.

Figure l9.illustrates an enlarged side elevation of the first sheet stop together with the mechanism which operates same.

Figure .20 illustrates an enlarged partially sec- .tioned side elevation of a sheet stabilizer together with themechanism which operates same. t

Figure .21. illustrates an enlarged elevational view of themechanism which operates the side jogger assembly for the sheet. on its way to the printing station. v

Figure illustrates a sectional view of the printed sheet receiving portion of the assembly as taken along line 22- 22; of Figure 5,..looking in the direction .01 the arrows, but omitting certain of the parts for purpose of clarity. I

Figure 23 illustrates ,an enlarged vertical section through the :upper portion of the initial sheet feeding mechanism with its electrical con:- tactor mechanism as taken along line ;23-23 of Figure 6, looking in the -direction of the arrows. V Figure .24 illustrates anenlanged vertical section view of one of the side jogger cam assemblies of Figure .5.

Figure 25 illustrates an enlarged sectional view of the sheet stabilizer plunger mechanism shown externally in Figure 20. v

Referring to the ,scenographic side view shown in Figure 17, the sheet material to be printed is moved through the assembly in the directionv of from right to left. More specifically, the sheets to :be printed are transferred one at a time from the stockpile on the platform, shown at the right end of the figure, onto the sheet .feedtable where the sheet is carried to the notched-edge grippers tional manner, for instance, "by means of a belt drive to driving pulley I (Figure =5) .mounted .on shaft 2 (Figure 1) supported by suitable bearings (not shown) in main frame 3 of the assembly.

On the opposite end of shaft 2 from that carrying driving pulley I, is 'maindrive pinion 4., which in turn meshes with gear 5 mounted on a suitable The operation of-the various coopr (The platform raisin'gand lowering mechanism is connected to themain drive shaft 8 by means of an eccentric .3 (Figure 2); andconnecting rod 1I0"toa suitable one-way roller clutch assembly lmounted' on table raising/and lowering 'drive shaft II. "The one-way roller clutch assembly comprises" an overhungrouter housing member,

12 keyed or otherwise suitably fastened to shaft II, and an inner member with extending hub I3 members, (not shown) within housing I2 while the other end of same is feather keyed to an endwise slideableijaw member I4.i The other jaw member Iis freely rotatable on the extending hub I3 of the clutchinner member. Extending fromajaw member I5 is an operating arm I6 sadjustablyponnectedto theupper end of connecting rod I0 (Figure 2). This adjustment is accomplishedfby'means of slotted-portion I'Iof arm I6 which permitsfixedadjustment inconventionallmanner to vary the amount that shaft 'II is"-rotated for: 'each rotation of main drive shaft 8. "In the construction shown; platform raising andlowering shaft II is connected for counter-clockwise rotation as viewed "from the right endof Figure Z. Withshaft II operating in a counter-clockwise direction, wormpinions I8 and! mounted thereon willrespectively rotateflworm gear in clockwise direction and "worm gear 2I in a counter-clockwise direction, thus rotatingsha'fts 22 and 23, to which these gears are joined, in corresponding directions;

'32 in mesh; shaft [Ia will also rotate in counter:

clockwise direction. "Under these conditions.

worm pinions 33and 34 mounted on shaft I la will cause, worml gear 35 to rotate in counter clockwise direction and (Worm gear 36 to rotate in clockwise direction. Worm gear 35 ismounted on shaft 3'! (Figure 5) while worm gear 36 is mountedYon shaft 38. Shaft 31 carrieschain sprockets 39 and 4Il whil e shaft 38 carries chain sprockets 4| and 42. Platform supporting chains 43 (Figure 1), pass over these sprockets and are joinedto platform 44 bymeansof, suitablerconnecting means which, for instance, may be of removable link and pin construction 30,. Operating in this mannerpwith shaft II a rotating in counter-clockwise direction,,platform 44 will be gradu-' ally lowered.

upper end .41; engaging a suitable groove 48 in the hub ofjaw member 32 may be usedto cause the engagement and disengagement of clutch jaw members .3I and 32 atwill; Jaw member 32 is preferably feather keyed to shaft H for rotation therewith, whilejaw member 3| is fastened in fixed position on the end, of shaft Ila. This type of construction permits shaft I In to be independently rotated when jaw members 3I and 32 are disengaged, and to rotate in unison with shaft II when these jawmembers are engaged.

Th holding of clutch operating lever 46 in either position may be accomplished in any conventional manner, for instance, by means of a spring projected plunger 45 mounted on lever 46 and adaptedto engage suitable depressions 49 in boss 50 on frame 3. With jaw members 3I and 32 dis- :(Figure 6), one endoftwhichhas rollergripping I Shaft22 is provided with chain sprockets 24"and engaged, platform 44 may be manually raised or lowered by rotation of hand wheel 5I and after the proper adjustment has been reached, clutch operating lever 46 may be again operatedto reengage clutch jaws 3| and 32 thus causing platform 44 to be automatically lowered in step with the raising of platform 29.

In order to raise platform 29 (Figure 2) to intial operating position, orto lower same for reloading, it is desirable to'iprovide power means to accomplish this end quickly. The disturbing of the elevated location of platform 44 under such conditions may be avoided by disengaging clutch jaws 3t and 32 (Figure 1). The auxiliary power drive for raising or lowering plat\ form 29 (Figure 2) involves the useof a reversible electric motor 52 carrying -a worm pinion meshing with the under side of worm, gear 53mounted for free rotation on shaft II and provided with conventional means to prevent endwise movement thereon. Fastened to worm gear 53 for free movement therewith is a jaw member 54 adapted to mesh with jaw member 55 feather keyed to shaft I I for endwise movefment thereon and rotation in unison therewith.

Jaw member 55 (Figure 2) isprovided with a groove 56 adapted to be engaged by the yoke end 5'Iof clutch operating lever 58. This clutch op-- erating lever has an 'arm 59' extending substan tiallyopposite to yoke end 51, the wholeassembly being pivoted on a suitable fulcrum pin or the like. Jaw member I4 is provided with a groove 6| (Figure 2) engaged by yoke end 62 of clutch operating lever 63. This clutch operating lever I is mounted on a suitable fulcrum pin 64 or the ,To provide for manual adjustment of the elethe mechanism for -When the auxiliary drive is to be used for either raising or lowering platform 29, lever 58 is moved like, and is provided with an arm 65 extending substantially in opposite direction to yoke end 62. The lower end of extending arm 65 and the lower end of clutch operating lever arm 59 are a acon-w pivotally connected together by means of necting rod 66 having a suitable right and left hand threaded turnbuckle 6110! use in adjusting proper timed operation;

in counter-clockwise direction to cause clutch jaw members 54 and to engage, and clutch jaw members I4 and I5 (Figure 6) to disengage Thenby starting motor 52 in the required direc tion, platform 25 will be raised or lowered as desired and when the adjustment is complete, motor 52;is turned off, and lever 58 (Figure, 2) operated to disengage jaws 54 and 55 and reengage jaws I4 and I5, whereupon the apparatus is again ready for automatic operation. Hand wheel-6B (Figure 2) is provided for use when minor hand adjustment of thelocation of plat form 29 is desired; (For-simplicity of assembly and construction, shaft II is preferably made in two parts joinedby a conventional coupling .69. Shaft I I'as shown is. conventionally mounted on suitable bearings I0, while shaft I la is conventionally mounted on suitable bearings II. Chain guide brackets I2 (Figures and 6) may be pro vided to hold platform supporting chains '28 and 43 on the respective sprockets.

Thetransferring of the sheet material I3 from the supplystack of. same carried by latform 29, is accomplished by means of suction in conventional manner. A typical mechanism .of this nature consists of a suction head I4 (Figures 6 and'23) which carries suction inlets 15 connected to suction header I6 by means of tubular members 11, which are preferably in the form of flexible hose. One end of this suction header is joined by means of hose 18 to a suitable suction timing and. controlling device of conventional construction (not shown) which applies suction pressure through header I6 and tubular members TI to suction inlets I5 when same are in position to pick up and transfer the upper sheet of the stack of sheet material 13. This lifting and carrying suction is maintained until the leading edge of the sheet has been transferred the desired distance into the machine whereupon the suction is released to drop the sheet. Suction head I4 then returns to 'initial'position ready for repeating the cycle. For convenience of operation the leading edge of the suction assemblyis supported at one end thereof by means supporting cam member I9 (Figure 4), the details and operation of which will be hereinafter described in connection with Figure 18. Suction header I5 is pivotally supported at the ends thereof on levers 80 and BI (Figure 6), while the lower ends of said levers ar pivotally connected to main frame 3 by means of fulcrum pins 82 (Figure 4) and v 83 (Figure 2). Cross shaft 04 (Figures 2 and 4) has arm members 85 and 86 pinned or otherwise conventionally fastened thereto for movement therewith. The upper end of arms 85 and 86 are pivotally connected to links 81 and 88 which in turnare pivotally connected to levers 80 and IN One end of shaft 84 has an arm member -$9 (Figure 6) keyed or otherwise suitably fastened thereto,.and the upper end of this arm member is pivotally connected to connecting rod 90, the opposite end of which is pivotally connected to crank .disc 9| by means ofcrank pin 93 (Figure 8).

92.. The opposite end of this shaft has miter gear 94 keyed or otherwise suitably fastened thereto.

(Figure 6) which iskeyed to main drive shaft 8. It is thus to be seen thatrotation of main drive shaft 3 will'automatically cause the suction head to travel in raceway I04 of cam member I05 mounted infixed position on cam shaft J00. This shaft has miter gear I'06b mounted thereon andin mesh with'miter gear I06a (Figures '3 and 6) mounted on main shaft 8 for driving the camshaft assembly. The suction head "I4 (Fig-- ure '6) is connected to suction :header 10 which in turn is pivotally mounted on bosses I0'Iwand I08 at the upper ends of. levers '80 and SI re-- spectively. Connected to suction header is reamshoe member I09 having cam shoe M0 on its free end. This cam shoe is normally adapted to slide on supporting cam :member 19. Cam

6); and at its lower end to extending arm H3 (Figure .4) .of lever 80 by means of spring an chor I14; In operation, :after suction inlets I5 have contacted and gripped the sheet to be delivered ontosheet feed table-96, suction head I4 moves toward sheet feed table 96 and is sup ported during atleast a major portion of its travel on supporting cam member I9 by means "of camshoe '0. In step with this forward movement, the supporting cam member .19 is elevated at one end by. means of cam lever I100. (Figure 18) which-is actuated due to rotation of :cam I05 with cam roller I03 in raceway I04. *This lifts the leading edge of the sheet being delivered sothat same will be laid on top of .sheet feed table 96 ready for forward travel the Inc-'- ment that the suction pressure is released. This procedure-makes certain that the leading edge of the sheet being forwarded will be properly delivered onto the sheet feedtable regardless of minor variations from the optimum elevation of Crank disc 9| in turn is keyed or otherwise suitably fastened on the end of shaft 1 Miter gear 94 in turn meshes with miter gear 95 I assembly-1.4 to moveback and forth in automatic timed relation for transferring sheet material I3 from platform 29 to the mechanism for subsequently handling said sheet.

Supporting cam member I9 (Figures 4 and 18) is pivotally mounted at one end on sheet feed table .96 by means of fulcrum stud 91. The opposite end of supporting cam member I9 is connected by means of pivot pin 98 to'link 99 which in turn is pivotally connected to cam lever I00 by means of pivot pin IOI. Cam lever I00 is mounted on shaft I02 while the opposite end of cam lever I00 from that carrying pivot pin I 01 isprovided with a cam roller I03, adapted the top of the stack of sheet material 73. Upon return of suction head 14 towards initial position, the further rotation of cam I05, through its connection to supporting member 19, lowers the suction head so that-suction inlets I5 under the influence of spring III will again contact the upper face of the leading edge of the next- Driving pulleys II6 are keyed or otherwise fas-- tened to tape drive shaft H8 for positive drive at uniform tape speeds. Tapes II5may be kept tightened by means of individual :tightener mechanisms I20 carrying take-up rollers I in contact with'tapes II5.[ Shaft II8 (Figure 6) has a chain sprocket I22 mounted thereon, and this sprocket is connected by means of chain I23 to driving sprocket I24 mounted on shaft 92 (Figure8) which in turn is driven by means of main shaft 8 as has been previously described. For convenience of operation, tapes IIS'pass through suitable openings in the sheet feed table and ride directly on top thereof. Chain I23 may be tightened in any suitable manner and one convenient tightening mechanism'consists of a pivoted arm 499 (Figure 4) withroller 490 in engagement with said chain. Y

In forwarding the sheet delivered onto the sheet feed table, a suitable mechanism is employed for gripping the sheet against moving tapes H5. The operation of this gripping mechanism will now be described-in detail. Keyed'to shaft I (Figures 4 and .6) are a plurality of spring lever arms I26 corresponding in number with the number of tapesemployed and suit roller arm. Each of theserollers I29 is positioned directly over a corresponding tape H5.

Spring roller arm I28 has pivotally mounted thereon a spring rod I30 'whichpasses through a swivel stud I3I connected to. the free end of spring lever arm I26. The spring rod carries thereona compression spring I32 and is provided with adjusting nuts I33 foradjusting the elevation of roller I29 when sameis in elevated position so that-the series of these rollers will all operate in unison. An adjustable thrustfcollar I34 is preferably used on each of the spring rods I30 to provide suitable tension on each of the compression springs I32.

Shaft I25 (Figure 2) has arm I35 adjustably clamped or otherwise fastened thereto in conventional manner. Connecting rod I36 is pivotally connected at one end to arm I35, and at the other end to' cam roller Iarm I31, the lower end of which is mounted on a fulcrum stud I36 while the upper end carries cam roller I39 in contact with open cam I40 which is joined by adjustable membersI II to cam back I42 mounted on 'shaft I43. LShaft I43 1(Figure 8) has a gear hub I44I keyed thereto and thishub carries on its periphery a ring gear I45 and aback lash.

gear I46. These gears are adjustably joined to each other and to gear hub I44 by means of studs I41. The adjustment of these members relative to each other is facilitated by the use of I a. tappet I48 and adjusting screws in contact therewith,I said adjusting screws preferably .be-. ing mounted as shown inIFigure 4 in connection. with tappet 232 Iand screws 236'Iand 231. Gears I45 and I46 (Figure 8).,Iin turnImesh with gear I5I I conventionally fastenedyyto shaft 92 which is driven from main drive shaft 8 as hereinbefore described; Shaft 1I25 (Figure 6) has .a

spring lever I52 fastened for rotation therewith in Iconventional' manner. On the upper end of spring lever I52 is pivotally mountedspring rod. I53Icarrying compression spring I54. The free; endof this spring rod I53 isslidably mounted in swivelstud 155.. Suitable tension for compression springLI54 maybe provided through the use of adjustable icollarIII56. Compression spring I54 thus holds cam roller I39 (Figure 2) I in contact with the cam faceofcam I40. II I I I IIn operation, tapes II5 (Figure 4) run con- 2 tinuously, and as the leading edge of a sheet is being carried onto the sheet feed table 96 'and under the upwardly-curved ends of paper guide bars I51,cam' I40 (Figure 2), through the connecting linkage, rotates shaft] I25 (Figure 4) so as to lift rollers I29 away from tapes II5 so that the leading edge of the sheet may pass 1 therebetween. In step with therelease of the suction holding the sh'eet to the suction head, cam I40 rotates shaft-{ 125 so as to bring rollers I29 into contact-: with the upper face of the sheet and force same down onto sheet feed tapes I I25, thus giving positive driving traction for the sh'eet.- Fixed shafts 266- (Figure 5), 484**(Figure; 6), I and 485, which are anchored at theirends to main frame 3, have sidewise adjustable members 486, 481, and 488 respectively mounted thereon sheet guide f bars I51 are joined'to said" adjustable members in-conventional manner I29. mounted for rotation in the yoked end of said so that said guide bars are spaced the desired distance above sheet reed table 96 to guide thereover the sheets which are on their-way tothe printingstation. I II I Continued I driving 1 traction is provided by idler rollers I58 mounted on arms I69, which in turn are pivotally mounted=on shaft I60 which I yoke supporting member I6I is adjusted on shaft is carried bya yoked supporting member I6] adjustably mounted in conventional manner on I62 so that substantially the moment the sheet passes completely under rollers" I58, which terminat'es the forced delivery of the sheet, the I sheet will stop and will be in delivered position withits leading edge up against sheet stop plate I65 (Figures 3and5).

InIorder to retard thesheet so that it stops at the proper timewith the leading edge of the sheet up against sheet stop plate I65 and yet fpermits sidewise jogging of the ,sheet, a sheet retarder mechanism with ball contactors is utilized.

This sheet retarder ymechanism, in preferred I form, consists of a yolse I66 (Figures 4 and 6) adjustably mountedon shaft I62. Extending through yoke I66 is a cross shaft I61 on the ends of which sheet retarder arms I68 and I69 are pivotally mounted in conventional manner. The free ends of these arms are respectively provided with socket members I10 and' I1I, whichin turn are fittedwith freely rotatable retarder balls In use the sheet retarder assembly is adjusted on shaft I62 to meet the particular requirements of the type of sheet being delivered I so thattheretarding effect. of the balls pressing on the sheet will be of positive aid in check- I ing movement of the sheet at the desired time and will aid in holding same on the sheet feed table 96 againstwhich the balls directlypress it.

Referring-to Figure 19, sheet stop plate I65 is mounted on sheet stop arm I13 which in turn is keyed or otherwise fastened to shaft I16 supported on suitable bosses I15 which for convenience maybe air-integral part of sheet feed table '96. In preferred construction, a pair of sheet stop armsI13 (Figure 5), with a sheet stop plate I65 mountedonthe end of each, are used 'for stopping the sheet,

Openings I16 (Figure 19) are provided in sheet feed table 96 to permit theupper end of sheet stop plates I65, to pass up therethrough for sheetstopping purposes. Keyed or otherwise suitably fastened toshaft I14 is a sheet stop operating lever I11.

Pivotally connected to the lower end of sheet stop operating lever I11 is: a connecting rod I18,

the other end of which is pivotally connected to one arm of bell-crank I19 mounted for free rotation on shaft I80. The other arm of the bellcrank carries II camroller I8I adapted to move in raceway I82 of cam" I83, which in turn is keyed or otherwise suitably fastened on cam shaft I06, the operation of which has been previously described. In operation thesheet stop assembly is timed so that the sheet stop plate I65 is projected upward just before the leading edge of the sheet which it is to stop comes up against it. Such sheet whenit comes to rest, lies on sheet feed table96 andbelowsheet guide bars I51. In

order toiprevent'the. leading edge; of the sheet fromv riding er the-.topof sheetistop plates I65, they-are preferablymade of a length, suchv thatv when they are in their upper position, they will extend above the lower edge ofsheet guide bars When theleading edge of thesheet comesin contact with sheet stopv plate I65 (Figure 19), a

sheet quietingmechanism (Figure immediatelyclamps the sheet tosheet feed table .96 and then at .once releasessame. This clamping action arreststhe kinetic energy given the sheet struction holds .housing. I86 securely in uprightv position through the up ancldown'movementof same. The upper .end..of :housing 1,8618 providedwith a closing cap .I9I through which the upp r end. of plunger rod I84. extends. Nuts, I92 threadedly engage the .upper end of plunger .rod I8 1v and provide for verticaladjustmentof same. In preferred construction atleast two ofqthese assemblies are mounted on.shaft.I90. as is shown inffisure 6. Mounted infixed. position on shaft I90 (Figures 6 and 20) is anoperatinglever I93 whichis pivotally connected to; connecting .rod

-l94,'the free end. of Whichis pivotallyeonnected.

to one armof bell-crank;.l95;whichzin turn is freely'rotatableon shaftv I 80'. .The vfree arm of bell .-crank,. I95 carries: camroller I96 adapted to move in. raceway I91; of cam, I98, which, is' keyed orotherwisemounted in fixed location on shaft I96; the operation of which has been previously described. In, operation, .cam; I98. through the. agency, of the .connectingylinkage, will at the.

proper. time, momentarily lower housing. I86 and cause the lower end of .plunger rod l94to clamp the -sheet of stockagainst, sheet;feed table 96 and then immediately rise to releasethe sheet whichhas tl'iusa been quieted. Under normal operating conditions,.plunger-rod I94, is adjusted by means of nuts I92 so. that vwhen housing I86 is in its normal upper position thelower end.

ofplunger rod I84. will be, above the loweredge ofgsheet guide bars I51, thus providing a clear passageway for sheets being delivered thereunder- Themoment that, plunger rods, I 84. are lifted sufliciently to release the sheet of stock atthe end of the quieting or. flutter removing step, a side jogging mechanism goes into operation. In order that the sheet will be inexact position whenfed 1 through the printing step which will behereinafter described, the sheet is lined upfor this purpose. To accomplish this,.a pair of fixed stops I 99 and 2.00.;(Figure 6); are mounted on sheet feed tab1e 96. at. one edge thereof. These stops are provided with. adjusting studsZUl and 2 62v adapted. for adjustment-of the stops to orv from the normal side edge position of the sheet in. con'ventional.manner. At the opposite side of sheet feed. table 96, is provided a side. jogging mechanismfor jogging the sheet up against stops I99 and 200. This mechanism inpreferred. construotion .consists of a cam 263. (Figure 21) mounted in fixed position,-on;cam,shaft I06 which hasfpreviously been described. ;l3ell-crank 204-- mounted on shaft. I89, which has been previously.

described. has; a camcroller 205;:mounted 011501151 arm: thereof :and such'lroller...is adapted. .to move: in. ,iraceway 206. 1 A The .othenxarmzof bell-cranks 20.4. is pivotally connected to;connecting. rod 201,

I the ..opposite ..end .of which-is in -turri' .pivotally:

connected-.to the..lower arm .of;.bell=crank..208 which is pivotallytmounted. .on .fulcrum :pin. 2091' which is rigidlysecured .to framed. Therupper. end. of .bell-orankJIIB: .is pivotally. connected. to; links. 2I0 andZIxIa (Figures. 6 and..21). by means. of pivot. pin.2I2;.: The opposite end of; linkllltis. pivotally connected. to arm; v213: (Figure 6); which. insturn isakeyeduor otherwise fastened to shaft, 2 I .4 which is supported. on: bracket .2 I 5; The 011-. posite. end of shaft. 2 I 4. has an.:arm 2 I 6:.fastened. thereto. Alike .arm; 2 I1. mounted: on. bracket 2I.5 byineans of..pivot.pin..2l8. .,Pivotally.::joined; in conventional .manneron the free. ends. of arms. 2 I6: and. 2 I1 1 is. an .adjustablyspositioned; pusher; rod 2L9 carrying:.jogger :head.;220j.-on .the.end thereof. This jogger headis adapted to.'be moved backandforth thecuteaway portion ill. of

sheet feed..-.table 196'; with thenpushing face. of.

jogger head .220 1 extending-above and. below.- the. upper: face. of. the sheetrieedtablei a LinkJZI I. is. shown and. is preferably-connected: to a second. jogger. mechanismi in...identical.; mannen. to the. one whichthas. just beerndescribed andaccord-v ingly. to. avoidrduplicationra detailed: descriptiom of. same... will ..be..omitted. .With the apparatus. adjusted; and properly timed, .thei jogger .mecha.-.: nism. .at. the momentgof :;:release 'Off: the -.-she'et. by. plungers. I 84- will jog-the; sheet sidewise. up against fixed.stops,..l.99;and.20.9; thus placing the sheet accurately in.v .position for .forwarding. to the;.printing...station... j

. After thesheethasbeen fed= ontothe sheetfeed. table 96, (guided inlzljogged tolpositiomfor. for.-. warding,.the sheet gripping mechanism goes into: action'to gripandfo'rwardzthe sheet atithe proper.

time tothe printingstationr..Referring. to Figs] ure .8, shaft..92 .which is..driven. by main. shaft. 8.

has adjustably; keyedzithereona .pair. of.. corre-..

sponding gripper .discs :222; and .223. I .The. upperedgeof these. gripper :dis'csextend; throughopens.

ings 224. and. 225m sheetiieedtable 96 .with: the: upper. end of .these .discs. substantially. fiush...with.. the upper faceof the .sheetfeed table... By.-;hza1.ving. gripper .discs.,222:.; and.-.223.keyed for; endwise adjustable movement on shaft 92;;the adjustment ofthe mechanism forchandlingidifierent Width;

sheets is facilitated.- Shaft I43,is..mounted' .di-. rectly above shaft .92 and drivenfromthelatter by; means ofgear... I5 I. and. ring. geani 45.; as .has been previously described.g..Azpairloftgripperzdriving plates 226 and ZZ'Lare mounted; foryendwise adjustmenton Shaft 143. and respectively ,carry: notched or cut ;-away,edge,grippers 2.28. i and 229.

For the purpose of gadjusting each gripper indie vidually ;on .its correspondin gripper ,driving:

plate, each gripperis provided. with slots230 (Fiz-.. ure 4:) through; which cap; screws 23L passand. threadedly engage-the gripper. driving .plate'. Tappet 232. ,(Figure 8) .:thread,edly engagesthe gripper drivingplate; and. passes through aslot 233 in the gripper similar; toislots 230.: Mounted. on the gripper at each end of.slot 2.33 are threaded; projecting ears 234 and 235-. .(Figure) .1 through. which respectively passadjusting screw-s .236and 23.1 It is thus to be: ;seen that loosening cap screws 23I and/then turning adjustingserews 236.

and 23 1,, the corresponding grippenmaybe rotated on. itsdriving plateto; adjust sameto suit the particular; requirements at. hand.. .In orderwto';

. leave e S .del vemdz 6. 1 6 .tfh she ee tab e. 7 

